Longford shoplifting conviction quashed on appeal

A woman convicted of shoplifting in Longford District Court had all penalties imposed removed following an appeal to the Circuit Court.

Nora McDonagh (31), of 35 Park Street, Dundalk, Louth had been previously convicted at Longford District Court on March 2, 2023, of shoplifting goods to the value of €400 from Dunnes Stores, Dublin Road, Longford on April 10, 2021.
When the matter was originally before the District Court, an assistant store manager with Dunne Stores, gave evidence of having witnessed up to half a dozen women enter the premises between 6 and 7pm.

She said two of the group were spotted entering a section of the store which had been cordoned off due to Covid-19.
Witness said five of the group left the store and jumped into a blue hatchback with Ms McDonagh following five or ten minutes later.

The court heard the accused was seen leaving with two jackets tied around her waist.
A stock inspection taken the following day put the net value of items taken from the store at €400.
Garda Anthony Scanlon gave evidence of having asked a Garda colleague Sgt Vincent Healy if he could single out anyone on CCTV footage taken from the scene, a request which ultimately led to Ms McDonagh's identification.

At the hearing in March of 2023 the appellant protested her innocence saying: “Your Honour, I did not steal anything from that shop that day.” Judge Vincent Deane had sentenced Ms McDonagh to six months in prison.

At last week's Circuit Court appeal the State told Judge Kenneth Connolly that their witness didn't wish to come to court. Judge Connolly said that in the event of the no show by the State witness he would have to allow the appeal and remove all penalties imposed in the District Court.

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